Alleviation by Gibberellic Acid and Kinetin of the Inhibition of Seed Germination in Maize (Zea mays L.) under Submerged Conditions

Abstract

Under submerged conditions the germination of maize seeds is inhibited. Under normal conditions, i.e. on moist filter paper, more than 80 per cent of the seeds can germinate whereas less than 24 per cent of the seeds germinate under submerged conditions. The inhibition of germination under submerged conditions can be fully overcome by the application of an appropriate concentration of GA2, and KN. The possible role of these hormones in overcoming the inhibition of seed germination under an oxygen deficit due to waterlogging is discussed.